indoors
G E T O RG A N IZED
Family Business
Tired of books, gadgets, and schedules strewn about, a
mom sets up a post that makes her home run kmoothl)
ouv.es
BY
JODY GARLOCK
PHOTOS
HELEN NORMAN
PRODUCED BY
CARRIE RAPHAEL
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Strategy
Time
The morning routine in
Carrie and Charlie Raphael’s
Maryland house often
spiraled into a frustrating
hunt for the previous
night’s homework or a
wayward book. To teach
her kids about organization
and keep the family on
track, Carrie created a
makeshift office off her
kitchen. The simple
setup—a desk flanked by
bookcases outfitted with
storage containers—
confines pens, papers,
Game Boys, and cell phones
in one area. “It’s our family
communications center,”
Carrie says. “The key is that
everything has a designated
spot with easy access.”
OPEN INVITATION
Small baskets are clearly
labeled and portable. With
no lids, there are no
excuses for not putting
away crayons and pens.
PERSONAL SPACE
Cubbies with large baskets
for each family member
borrow a concept from
elementary school. “Kids
take ownership in a basket
with their name on it and
keep better track of things,”
says Carrie, who stuck
scrapbook stickers on
place cards for quick ID.
NAME DROPPING
A kitchen chair painted and
stenciled defines Noah’s
homework turf.
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JANUARY 2009 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS
